Time display device for displaying the scheduled times in order of a series of consecutive events



June 7, 1966 J. A. KlMBERLlN 3,255,442

TIME DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING THE SCHEDULED TIMES IN ORDER OF A SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE EVENTS Filed Dec. 5 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet l (#00,? WUMA'T 01? 006 721 500 01/7707 6/ g l 450 I l 4504? i F::" i 21 5' I I 426d 4/0 IW/E/k/T/ ,4/Z I 4% I June7, 1966 BERLl 3,255,442

TIME DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING THE SCHEDULED TIMES IN ORDER OF A SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE EVENTS Filed Dec. 5, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet z M/A/Z/TE 01/9/54 70?- 2001 United States Patent TIME DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING THE SCHEDULED TIMES IN ORDER OF A SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE EVENTS James A. Kimberlin, 1708 Brigden Road, Pasadena, Caiif. Filed Dec. 5, 1963, Ser. No. 328,399 4 Claims. (Cl. 340--309.4)

This invention relates to electrical devices and more particularly to a digital time display device.

Many times it is necessary to display the time at which a scheduled event is to take place. Quite commonly a number of events are to take place sequentially in time and the time at which these events occur must be displayed. For example, in the public transportation industry vehicles arrive and depart each day at scheduled times.

l-Ieretofore, it has been quite common to provide signs, cards, schedule boards and other similar devices to display the time of the next scheduled event. The time of occurence of all events during the day must be displayed, or an operator must post the time of the next scheduled event after each event takes place. For example, assuming that trains are scheduled to depart from a designated terminal at 1 pm, 1:30 pm. and 2 pm, a signboard is 7 generally provided on which the time of these departures are displayed.

Automatic display systems have been proposed for displaying the time of scheduled events. However, in general, these systems provide a memory for storing the time of all scheduled events during a day, for example, and a display device for displaying the time of each of these scheduled events. Therefore, whenever a person desires to find the time of the next scheduled event, it is necessary lfOl him to scan through the entire display and pick out the particular event time he desires.

Another disadvantage of the prior art automatic time display device is that the cost of the time display device is quite large due to the necessity of having a display device large enough to display all of the scheduled events stored in the memory device.

In contrast, an embodiment of the present invention is a time display device which may be used for automatically displaying only the time of the next scheduled event. Additionally, the embodiment of the present invention automatically changes the displayed time right after the time of occurrence of each scheduled event. Another important feature of the embodiment of the present invention is that the user has the ability to program a large number of scheduled events and the display device automatically displays only the time of the next scheduled event. Another feature is that it has the ability to recycle to the first of a series of events by appropriate programming. In this manner it is possible to program a schedule of events which are to take place at certain specified times day after day and the display device will automatically display the time of each of these events for one day and then re-cycle and display the same times the next and each subsequent day. Additionally, the stored program is quite easily changed and the cost of the time display device is quite low compared with the aforementioned prior art automatic display devices.

Briefly, a time display device embodying the present invention comprises:

Controllable means adapted for advancing through a plurality of states each of which designates an event which is total e place, means for storing a signal indicative of the time of at least one of said events which are to take place including means for providing an output indication of the next one of the events designated by the state of the event sequencing means, and control means for said controllable means including real time indicating means and column.

teen column conductors.

"ice

form one complete schematic diagram.

General description Before considering the details of the time display device, a brief description will be given of the general organization thereof.

The time display device includes a storing means for storing signals indicative of the time at which events are to take place. The storing means 100 is actually a plugboard storing device having conductors arranged in intersecting rows and columns. The storing means 100 includes a minute section 100a and a separate hour section 10012. The columns of conductors in the minute and hour sections 1000 and 1001) correspond to the time at which an event is to take place, whereas the rows of conductors correspond to particular events which are to take place.

The minute section ofthe storing means 100 has thir- The column conductors are referenced by the symbols RST and C00, C05 C55. Column conductors are referenced by the symbol C followed by a number representing minutes in a complete hour, each column representing a five minute increment. For example, column C05 represents five minutes past the nearest hour of the day. The column conductor referenced by the symbol RST is used for resetting the time display device and will be described in detail in the subsequent detailed description.

Twenty-four rows of conductors are provided in the minute section 100a and twenty-four rows of conductors are provided in the hour section 100b, each row corresponding to a different event which is to take place. The rows conductors are referenced by the symbols R1 through R24 corresponding to the twenty-four possible events.

The hour section 10017 of the storing means 100 has thirteen columns represented by the symbols Cpm and C1, C2 C12. The column conductors are referenced by the symbol C followed by a number corresponding to one of twelve hourly increments in a half day. The column conductor referenced by the symbol Cpm is used to differentiate between hours 1 through 12 in the AM. and in the RM. as described in the de tailed description.

The intersection of the row and column conductors in the minute and hour sections 100a and 10% are adapted to allow interconnection between the intersecting row Each interconnection is made by means of an electrical connector 102 constructed in a manner well known in the electrical art. For example, the connector 102inay be a switch or a connector into which a plug is inserted to make electrical connection between the intersecting row and column conductors.

The display device is programmed by storing a time for each event which is to take place. For example, if events are to take place at the hours 1:05, 1:20 and 1:30 the following electrical interconnections are made; an electrical connection at the intersection of column C1 and row R1 of the hour section 10017 and at the intersection of column C05 and row R1 of the minute section 100a; an electrical connection at the intersection of column C1 3 and row R2 of the hour section 1110b and at the intersection of column C20 and row R2 of the minute section 100a; and an electrical connection at the intersection of column C1 and R3 of the hour section 10% and at the intersection of column C30 and row R3 of the minute section 100a.

A controllable event scanning or sequencing means 300 is provided in the time display device for sequencing through a plurality of states each of which corresponds to one of twenty-four possible events which may be programmed. The controllable event sequencing means 300 includes a rotary stepping switch 302 having a pole for the hour section 10012, a pole for the minute section 10011 and a contact for each pole for each of the twenty-four rows of the storing means 100.

An indicator means. 200 provides a visual indication of the time of the next event. For example, if the next event to take place is at 1:05 a visual indication is provided by the indicator 200 displaying the time 1:05. The indicator means 200 is actually composed of lamps which light up and display the time, stored in the storing means 100, corresponding to the event designated by the state of the event sequencing means 300.

A control means 400 is provided in the time display device for controlling the sequencing of the event sequencing means 300. The control means 400 includes a real time indicating means including pulse-forming C111- cuits 406, 408 and 410 and a comparing-means, including minute and hour scanning means 402 and 404. The comparing means compares the time represented by the real time indicating means with the time of the next event represented by the state of the sequencing means 300. The control means 400 causes the event sequencing means 300 to step to the next state in response to a pre-determined relationship between the time represented by the real time indicating means and the stored time for the particular event, designated by the state of the event sequencing means 300. Specifically, when the real time indicating means represents the same time as the stored time for the next event, which is designated by the state of the event sequencing means 300, the control means 400 causes the event sequencing means 300 to step to its next state.

Detailed description Refer now to the details of the time display device.

The minute indicator 200a consists of twelve indicator lamps each of which is connected to a difierent one of the columns C through C55. The other side of the lamps from the column conductors C00 through C55 are connected in common to the output T1 of the output circuit e1 from the power supply 10.

The hour indicator consists of fourteen lamps. Twelve of the hour indicator lamps are connected to the column conductors C1 through C12. The other two lamps are referenced by the symbols 202 and 203 and are P.M. and AM. indicator lamps respectively. The P.M. and A.M. indicator lamps 202 and 203 are connected to the contacts 450C and 450d of the relay 450.

In an actual model of the time display device the indicator means 200 is actually a display device which has the twelve hour lamps of the hour indicator 200b grouped together at the rear of the display. The light of each of the lamps is projected through a character mask, which is a transparent area in the shape of the desired character. Light projected through the transparent area is focused on a frosted glass panel at the front of the display. As a result, light falling on the glass is in the shape of the desired character and is viewed from the front of the display.

The minute display 200a is identical in construction to the hour display except that characters identifying minutes are displayed on the glass.

The AM. and P.M. lamps 202 and 203 are arranged quite similar to those of the hour display 200]), with the lamps behind masks having transparent areas in the shape of the characters AM. and P.M.

The time display device also includes a power supply 10 which provides alternating current and direct current signals to the display device. The power supply 10 has two output circuits for providing alternating current signals and two output circuits at which direct current signals are applied. The alternating current output circuits are represented by the symbols el and 22, whereas direct current output terminals are represented by the symbols E3 and E4. Actually, the output signals at terminals E3 and B4 arenegative direct current output signals with respect to ground (0 volts potential), which is represented by the ground symbol. The output circuit 22 is connected to the input circuit of a synchronized motor and cam assembly 414. A synchronized motor 414a drives a cam 41412 through a slip clutch 4141:. The synchronized motor 414a rotates the cam 414b at /5 rpm. A cam actuated switch SW2 is actuated by the cam 14b. The cam 414k is a conventional cam and is adapted so that the contacts of the switch SW2 are alternately closed for 2 /2 minutes and open for 2 /2 minutes.

The contacts 401a of the switch SW2 are connected between the input circuit of a minute pulse-forming circuit 406 and the terminal E4. The minute pulse-forming circuit 406 includes a relay 416 having one end of its coil connected to ground and the other end of its coil connected through a capacitor 417 to the input circuit of the pulse-forming circuit 406. The coil of the relay 416 has a silicon type of rectifier diode 418 connected across its coil poled with the cathode electrode connected to ground. The other side of the capacitor, from the coil of the relay 416, is connected to ground through a resistor 420. The relay 416 has a pair of normally closed contacts 416A and a pair of normally open contacts 4161). The normally open contacts 416b are connected between ground, and the input circuit of an hour pulseforming circuit 408. The normally open contacts 41Gb are also connected between ground and the input circuit of a minute scanning circuit 402. The normally closed contacts 416A are connected between the input circuit of the hour pulse-forming circuit 408 and the input circuit of the minute scanning circuit 402, and terminal E4 of power supply 10.

The hour pulseforming circuit 408 includes a relay 420 having one side of its coil connected to ground and the other side of its coil serially connected through a capacito-r 422 and a'resistor 423 to the input circuit of the circuit 408. A silicon type rectifier diode 424 is connected across the coil of the relay 420 with its cathode electrode con nected to 'ground. The relay 420 has a pair of normally closed contacts 420A and a pair of normally open contacts 42%. The normally opencontacts 4 20b are connected between ground, and the input circuit of an event pulse-forming circuit 410 and the input circuit of an hour scanning circuit 404. The normally closed contacts 420A are connected to terminal E4 of power supply '10, and the input circuit of the event pulse-forming circuit 410 and the hour scanning circuit 404.

The event pulse-forming circuit 410 includes a relay 426 having its coil with one end connected to ground and the other end connected through a capacitor 428 and a resistor 430 to the input circuit of the pulse-forming circuit 410. A silicon type rectifier diode 432 is connected across the coil of the relay 426 with its cathode electrode connected to ground. The relay 426 has a pair of normally open contacts 426a connected between the input circuit of a comparison relay 412 and the normally closed cont-acts 1B of switch SW1.

The minute scanning circuit 402 includes a solenoid ope-rated rotary stepping switch 432. The stepping switch 432 has one end of itscoil connected to the contacts 434A of a relay 434. A silicon type rectifier diode 436 is connected across the coil of the stepping switch 432, with its cathode electrode connected to ground. The stepping switch 432 has two wiper arms 432a and 4621; which mechanically rotate together. The wiper arm 432a makes contact with twelve contacts 432a of the stepping switch 432. The contacts 43-20 of the stepping switch 432 are connected to the twelve column conductors C through C55 ot the minute section 100a of the stoning means 100.

The wiper arm 43-2b only makes electrical connection and contact, which is referenced by the symbol 432d. The wiper arm 43 2b makes the electrical connection with the contact 432d when the wiper arm 432a is electrically connected to the column C00.

The relay 434 has one end of its coil connected to the normally closed contacts 416A of the relay 416. The relay 43 4 has its normally closed contacts 434A connected between the output circuit E3, of the power supply 10, and the coil of the relay 432.

An arc suppression circuit is connected across the relay contacts 434A. The are suppression circuit includes a resistor 438 and a capacitor 439. The resistor 438 and capacitor 439 are connected in series for suppressing arcs formed across the contacts 434A in a manner well known in the electrical art.

Refer now to the hour scanning circuit 404. The hour scanning circuit 404 also includes a solenoid operated rotary stepping switch 440. The stepping switch 440 has one side of its coil connected to ground and the other side of its coil connected to the contacts 442A of a relay 442 and the contacts of a switch SW4. A silicon type rectifier diode 444 is connected across the coil of the stepping switch 440 with its cathode electrode connected to ground. The stepping switch 440 has two wiper arms 440a and 44%. The wiper arm 440a is arranged for making electrical connection with twelve contacts 4400 which are connected to the column conductors 01 through 012 of the hour section The wiper arm 4401) makes an electrical connection with a single contact 440d. The wiper arm 440k makes connection with the contact 440d when the wiper a-rm 440a makes electrical connection with the column conductor C12.

The wiper arm 44% is connected to the output circuit 4320!. A conventional arc suppression circuit including a resistor 445 and a capacitor 447 are connected across the normally closed contacts 442A.

The comparison relay 412 has its coil connected between the output circuit of an A.M./P.M. control circuit 446 and one of the normally open contacts 426a 01f the relay 426. The comparison relay 412 has a pair of normally open contacts 412a connected between the output circuit E3, of the power supply 10, and the coil of the stepping switch 302 in the controllable event sequencing means 300. A conventional arc suppression circuit, consisting of a capacitor 448 and a resistor 449, is connected across the contacts 412a.

Refer now to the A.M./P.M. cont-r01 circuit 446. The A.-M./P.M. control circuit 446 consists of relays 450 and 452. The relay 450 has its coil connected between the contact 440d of the stepping switch 440 and ground. The coil of the relay 452 is connected between the column conductor Cpm of the hour section 10% and the output T2 of the output circuit e1 from the power supply 10. The relay 452 has a pair of normally closed contacts 452A connected between a pair of normally closed contacts 450A of the relay 450 and one side of the coil of the relay 412. The relay 452 has a pair of normally open contacts 45-2b connected between normally open contacts 45% of the relay 450 and the same side of the coil of the relay 412 as the contacts 452A.

The normally closed contacts 450A of the relay 450 are connected between the normally closed cont-acts 452A 6 and the contacts 1F of the setting switch SW1. The normally open contacts 45% are connected between the normal-1y open contacts 45% and the contacts 1F of the setting switch SW1.

The relay 450 also has a pair of normally closed contacts 4500 connected between an AM. indicator lamp 206 and output T1 of the output circuit e1 trom the power supply 10. Relay 450 also has a pair of normally open contacts 450d which are connected between a P.M. indicator lamp 202 and the output T1 of the output circuit e1 from the power supply 10.

Refer now to the controllable event sequencing means 300. The stepping switch 302 is a conventional solenoid operated rotary switch arranged with its coil connected between ground and interrupter contacts 302A of the relay 302. A silicon rectifier type of diode 304 is connected across the coil of the relay 302 with its cathode electrode connected to ground. The interrupter contacts 302A are connected between the coil of the relay 30 2 and the normally open contacts 412a of the relay 412. A conventional arc suppression circuit consisting of a resistor 304 and a capacitor 306 are connected in series across the interrupter contacts 302a.

The stepping switch 302 has a wiper arm 302i) and a wiper arm 302c. The wiper arm 3502b is arranged for making electrical connection with twenty-four contacts which are connected to the twenty-four rows R1 through R24 in the hour section 1001). Similarly, the wiper arm 3020 is arranged for making electrical connection with twenty-four contacts which are connected to the twentyfour rows R1 through R24 of the minute section a. The stepping switch 302 sequentially moves the wiper arms 3021i and 3020 from one contact to the next in response to direct current signals of short duration applied across its coil. In the event that it is desired to apply a continuous control signal to the stepping switch and cause it to rapidly move its wiper arms across its contacts, the interrupter contacts 302a are arranged to interrupt the power applied to the coil so that the wiper arms 3e21 and 302a momentarily stop in electrical contact with each of the contacts. The interrupter contacts 302A are actuated in a conventional manner well known in the electrical art.

The wiper arm 30221 is connected to the T1 output of the output circuit e1 from the power supply 10. The connection is made through the normally closed contacts 1D of the setting switch SW1. The wiper arm 302C is connected to the T2 output of the output circuit a1 from the power supply 10. The connection is made through the normally closed contacts 1C of the setting switch SW1.

The stepping switch 302 also has a pair of contacts 302d. The stepping switch 302 is arranged so that the contacts 302d are normally closed at all times except when the stepping switch has its wiper arms connected to the contact which is connected to row R1 of the sections 100a and 10%. Only when the wiper arms are in electrical contact with row R1 of the sections 100a and 10Gb are the contacts 302d open.

A reset circuit is provided for causing the stepping switch to be recycled with its wiper arms in electrical contact with row R1 of sections 100:: and 100 h. The reset circuit includes a relay 12. The relay 12 has its coil connected between the column conductor RST, of the minute section 1000, and the contacts 302d. The relay 12 has normally open contacts 12a, connected between the interrupter contacts 302a and the output circuit E3 of the power supply 10. The relay 12 also has normally open contacts 12b which are connected between the column conductor'RST and the output T2 of the output circuit E1 from the power supply 10. A reset switch SW6 is connected across the normally open contacts 12b of the relay 12.

The diodes 418, 424, 432, 436 and 440 and 304 are provided, in conjunction with the coil of associated relays,

in order to provide a path for current flowing through the coil of the relays when the current path to the coil of .the corresponding relay is broken. This is a conventional technique in therelay art to prevent excessive arcing between contacts when contacts supplying power to the coils are broken.

Detailed description of operation Consider now the operation of the time display device. Assume it is desired to display that events are to take place at the following times: 1:05, 1:20 and 1:30. Appropriate connections are made in the minute section 100a and the hour section 10011 as described hereinabove.

Initially, the time display unit must be set corresponding to the correct time of day. This is done by actuating the setting switch SW1 causing the normally closed contacts 1C, 1B, .1D and IF to open and the normally open contacts In and to close. Next, the stepping switch relays 4'32 and 440 are set. The minute stepping switch -is set to the nearest proceeding five minute interval. This is accomplished by actuating switch SW3 causing power formed at the output circuit E3 to be applied through the switch SW3 to the coil of the minute stepping switch 432. The minute stepping switch 432 will then advance from one state to the next each time that the switch SW3 is actuated. The operator can set the stepping switch 432 to the correct state by noting which of the lamps in the minute indicator 280a is illuminated. For example, if it is desired to set the display device to exactly 1 oclock, the'switch SW3 is repeatedly depressed until the lamp connected to the column conductor C00 is illuminated, at which time power is applied to the lamps in the minute indicator 260a by the output circuit e1 via the contacts 1a of the switch SW1 and the contacts of the stepping switch 432.

1 With switch SW1 actuated, the hour stepping switch 440 is set to the correct hour by depressing switch SW4. The operator knows when the stepping switch is set at the right position by noting which of the lamps in the hour indicator Gb is illuminated, similar to that described for the minute stepping switch 432.

It is also necessary to adjust the time display device for increments of less than 5 minutes. This is accomplished by adjusting the manual setting knob 41411. A scale is provided adjacent to knob 414d so that it may be set at the correct position depending on the actual time of day. Adjustment of the knob 414d causes a corresponding adjustment in the cam 414bwhich causes the timing pulses to be applied to the time display device.

Assume that the time display device has been set to the correct time and the switch SW1 has been returned to its normal position as shown in the figures. Also assume that the time display device is programmed to display events at the times 1:05, 1:20 and 1:30. The motor 414a drives the cam 414i) causing the contacts 401a of r the switch SW2 to close for 2 /2 minutes and open for 2 /2 minutes. Initially, the contacts of the switch SW2 are open and relays 416, 420 and 426 are de-energized. With the relays 416, 420 and 426 de-energized power is applied through the contacts 416A and 420A to the relays 434 and 442 causing them to be energized. When the contacts 401a of the switch SW2 are closed by the cam 414b, current flows from ground through the coil of the relay 416, the capacitor 417 and the contacts 401a to the negative potential at terminal E4. This causes the relay 416 to be energized and close the normally open contacts 41611. The closed contacts 41Gb cause ground potential to be applied across the coil of the relay 434 and to be applied to the resistor 423. As a result, relay 434 isde-energized and the contacts 434A close and apply power from the output terminal E3 to the coil of the stepping switch 432. This causes the stepping switch 432 to move its wiper arms 432a and 432]) to the next contact in sequence.

Capacitor 417 and resistor 420 are arranged so that v relay 416 remains energized for approximately milliseconds. After 75 milliseconds capacitor 417 is charged to the point where insufficient current flows through the coil of relay 416 and it is de-energized. As soon as the relay 416 is de-energized the normally closed contacts 416A close and apply power from the output terminal E4 to the coil of the relay 434. The relay 434 is reenergized and the contacts 434A open. The timing is such that the stopping switch 434 only advances from one contact to the next.

While the relay 416 was still energized and the contacts 4l6b closed, the capacitor 422 is discharged. As soon as the relay 416 is de-energized and the contacts 416A close, the output terminal E4 is again connected to the resistor 423 causing current to fiow through the coil of the relay 420, the capacitor 422 and the resistor 423 to the output terminal E4. This causes the relay 420 to be energized and the contacts 42Gb to close. When the contacts 42% are closed theends of the coil of the relay 442 are connected to ground causing the relay 442 to be de-energized. When the relay 442 is de-energized the contacts 442A close causing the coil of th stepping switch 440 to be connected to the contact 432d of the stepping switch 432.

If the stepping switch 432 is in a state such that the wiper arm 432a connected to the column conductor C00, the output terminal E3 is connected, via the contacts 434A, the wiper arm 432b, the contact 432d and the contacts 442A to the coil of the stepping switch 440. This causes the stepping switch 440 to advance from one col umn to the next. In this manner the hour stepping switch 440 is advanced from one position to the next for each complete cycle of the minute stepping switch 432.

While the current flows through the coil of the relay 420, the capacitor 422 charges through the resistor 423, and the capacitor 428 discharges through the coil of the relay 424), the resistor 430 and the contacts 42%. After a sufiicient time lapses for the hour stepping switch 440 to advance from one position to the next, the capacitor 422 is charged to the point where the current in the coil of relay decreases to such that relay 420 is de-energized. Thus, the contacts 420A are again closed. When the contacts 420A close, power is again applied through the contacts 420A-from the output terminal E4 to the resistor 430. The power applied to the resistor 430 causes current to flow from ground through the coil of the relay 426, the capacitor 428 and the resistor 430 to the E4 output terminal, thereby causing the relay 426 to be energized. With the relay 426 energized, the normally open contacts 426a close causing the wiper arm 432a of the minute stepping switch 432 to be connected to one side of the coil 412. Assuming that the relays in the A.M./P.M. control circuit 426 are in the state shown in the drawings, the opposite side of the coil of the relay 412 is connected to the wiper arm 440a of the hour stepping switch 446. If the minute and hour sections 106:: and limb are programmed such that they are storing the same time as that represented by the position of the minute and hour stepping switches 432 and 440, the output circuit e1 will be connected across the coil of the relay 412 via the pole 302b, the contacts of the switch 302, a column conductor of b, the pole 440a, the contacts 450A, 452A, 426a and 1B (of SW1), pole 432a, a column conductor of 100a, the pole 3020 and the contact 1c (of SW1). As a result, a signal is applied across the coil of the relay 412 causing it to be energized and close contacts 412a. With the contacts 412a closed, the coil of the stepping switch 302 is connected to the output terminal E3 causing the event stepping switch 302 to step from one state to the next and thereby advance to the next even-t which is to take place.

Similar to the circuits 406 and 408, the capacitor 428 charges causing the relay 426 to be de-energized and the contacts 426a to open preventing the event stepping switch 302 from advancing more than one state.

Consider a reset operation of the time display device. It 'may be desirable to program the time display device so that it displays the time of occurrence of a number of diflerent events, which events occur at the same time each day. In this case it is desirable to reset the time display device at the end of the sequence of events so that it starts displaying the time of occurrence of .the first event the following day.

The time display device is programmed to reset by making an electrical connection between the RST column conductor and the row conductor immediately following the last programmed event. For example, if the last programmed event corresponds to row conductor R3 a connection is made between the RST column conductor and row conductor R4.

When the event stepping switch 302 is in a state such that the wiper arms are in electrical contact with row conductor R4, the T2 output of the output circuit e1 from the power supply 10 is connected to the column conductor RST, hence to one side of the coil of the relay 12. As pointed out herein above, the contacts 302d are normally closed except when the event stepping switch 302 is in its home position in electrical contact with row conductor R1. Therefore, the T1 output of the output circuit e1 from the power supply 10 is connected to the other side of the coil of the relay 12 from the output T2. This causes the relay 12 to be energized and the contacts 12a and 12b to be closed.

The contacts 12b are holding contacts which cause the relay 12 to remain energized. To this end the closed contacts 12b connect the T2 output of the output circuit e1 to one side of the coil of the relay 12 causing the relay 12 to be energized even after the stepping switch 392 has moved the wiper arm 302a from electrical contact with the row conductor R4.

The closed contacts 12a couple the E3 output circuit of the power supply 10 through the interrupter contacts 302A to the coil of the event stepping switch 302. This causes the event stepping switch 302 to commence moving the wiper arm 3022: from one contact to the next until the wiper arms 3021) and 3020 are in electrical contact with row conductors R1.

When the wiper arms 39% and 1502c are in a home position, in electrical contact with row conductors R1, the contacts 302d open up causing the relay 12 to be de-energized. With the relay 12 de-energized the contacts 12a and 12b open up causing the power applied through the interrupter contacts 302A to the coil of the event stepping switch 302 to be removed. In this manner the time display device is programmed to reset th event stepping switch 302 to its home position in electrical contact with row conductors Rl.

Since the hour stepping switch 440 only has twelve positions corresponding to twelve hours in a day, therefore it is necessary to differentiate between hours in the A.M. and hours in the P.M. This is accomplished by making electrical contact between the column conductor Cpm and the row for the corresponding event. -If the particular event is to occur in the AM. no electrical connection is made between the column conductor Cpm and the corresponding row conductor. If the particular event is to occur in the RM. :an electrical connection is made between the column conductor Cpm and the row conductor corresponding to the particular event. For ex ample, if the event corresponding to row R2 is to occur in the P.M., an electrical connection is made between the column conductor Cpm and the row conductor R2.

Assume that an electrical connection is made between the column conductor Cpm and the row conductor R2. When the event stepping switch 302 is positioned with its wiper arm 30212 in electrical contact with row conductor R2 the wiper arm 302k couples the T1 output of output circuit e1 from the power supply 10 to the row conductor R2 hence to the column conductor Cpm. The column conductor Cpm is connected to one side of the coil of the relay 452 whereas the other side of the coil of the relay 452 is connected to the T2 output circuit. Hence, the relay 452 is energized. With the relay 452 energized the normally open contacts 452b are closed and the normally closed contacts 452A are opened.

Therefore, in order for power to be applied to the relay 412 through contacts 45212, the relay 450 must be in a state such that its contacts 450!) are closed. The relay 450 is a bistable relay. Whenever power is applied to the coil of the relay 450 it changes from one-state to the other state and remains in that state until it is again energized. For example, if power is applied across the coil of the relay 450 while in the state shown in FIG. 1b,

the relay 450 changes state causing the-contacts 450A and 450C to open and the contacts 45% and 450d to close,

It should be noted that the contacts 440d of the hour stepping switch 440 are connected to the coil of the relay 450 therefore, each time the hour stepping switch is p0- sitioned with its wiper ar-m 440a in electrical contact with the column conductor C12, the wiper arm 44011 is in elec trical contact with the contact 4400! causing the E3 output terminal of the power supply 10 to be coupled to one side of the coil of the relay 450. Thus, each time the hour stepping switch 440 steps through its twelve states, corresponding to the twelve hours in the day, the relay 459 is energized causing it to change states. When the relay 451) is energized so that contacts 450!) are closed, it means that the hour stepping switch 440 then corresponds to hours in the RM. When the relay 450 is energized so that contacts 450A are closed, the states of the hour stepping switch 440 correspond to hours in the AM.

What is claimed is:

1. Time display device comprising:

(a) plugboard means including an hour section and a minute section each comprising electrical conductors arranged in intersecting rows and columns, the conductor rows being associated with events which are to take place and the columns being associated with the time of said events, the plugboard means being adapted to permit electrical interconnection between intersecting conductors and thereby designate the time of events,

(b) means comprising a controllable event stepping switch adapted for scanning and sequentially applying control signals to said hour and minute row conductors to thereby cause electrical signals to be applied to the column conductors having interconnections with the row conductors,

(c) indicator means coupled to be responsive to electrical signals applied to the hour and minute column conductors for displaying the time of the next event which is to take place,

(d) hour scanning means including a stepping switch having an output circuit and adapted for scanning the column conductors of the hour section in synchronism with real time and for coupling the electrical signals on said column conductors to the output circuit thereof,

(e) minute scanning means including a stepping switch having an output circuit and adapted for scanning the column conductors of the minute section in synchronism with real time and for coupling the electrical signals on said minute column conductors to the output circuit thereof, and

(f) means coupled to the output circuit of said hour and minute scanning means and adapted for causing said controllable event stepping switch to advance to the next row of conductors in response to an electrical signal at the output circuit of said hour and minute scanning means, and thereby cause the electrical signal to be applied to said rows in sequence to cause said indicators to display the time of the next event which is to take place.

2. A time display device as defined in claim 1 wherein said column conductors include a reset column conductor and including circuit means responsive to an electrical signal on said reset column conductor for causing said controllable event stepping switch to be reset to an initial condition.

3. Time display device comprising:

(a) 'plugboard means including an hoursection and a minute section each comprising electrical conductors arranged in intersecting rows and columns, the conductor rows being associated with events which are to take place and the columns being associated with the time, of said events, the plugboard means being adapted to permit electrical interconnection between intersecting conductors and thereby designate the time of events, I

(b) means comprising a controllable event stepping switch adapted for scanning and sequentially applying a signal to said hour and minute row conductors to thereby cause electrical signals to be applied to the column conductors having interconnections with the row conductors,

(c) indicator means coupled to be responsive to electrical signals applied to the hour and minute column conductors for displaying the time of the next event which is to take place,

(d) hour scanning means including a stepping switch having an output circuit and adapted for scanning the column conductors of the hour section in synchronism with real time and for coupling the electrical signals on said column conductors to the output circuit thereof,

(e) minute scanning means including a stepping switch having an output circuit and adapted for scanning the column conductors of the minute section in synchronism with real time and for coupling the electrical signals on said minute column conductors to the output circuit thereof, and

(f) means coupled to the circuit of said hour and minute scanning means including switching means responsive to the simultaneous occurrence of electrical signals at the output circuits of both said hour and minute scanning means for switching to a predetermined state and thereby apply a control signal to said controllable event stepping switch for causing same to advance to the next row of conductors and thereby cause the electrical signal to be applied to said rows in sequence to cause said indicators to display the time of the next event which is to take place.

4. Time display device comprising:

(a) storage means including an hour section and a 12 minute section each comprising electrical conductors arranged in intersecting rows and columns, the conductor rows being associated with events which are to take place and the columns being associated with the time of said events, the storage means being adapted to permit electrical interconnection between intersecting conductors and thereby designate the time of events,

(b) means comprising a controllable scanning means adapted for scanning and sequentially applying a signal to said hour and minute row conductors to thereby cause electrical signals to be-applied to the column conductors having interconnections with the row conductors,

(c) indicator means coupled to be responsive to electrical signals applied to the hour and minute column conductors for displaying the time of the next event which is to, take place,

(d) hour scanning means including an output circuit and adapted for scanning the column conductors of the hour section in synchronism with real time and for applying an electrical signal to the output circuit thereof corresponding to the electrical signals on the scanned column conductors.

(e) minute scanning means including an output circuit and adapted for scanning the column conductors of the minute section in synchronism with real time and v for applying an electrical signal to the output circuit thereof corresponding to the electrical signals on the scanned column conductors, and

(f) means coupled to the output circuit of said hour and minute scanning means and adapted for causing said controllable scanning means to advance to the next row of conductors in response to an electrical signal at the output circuit of said hour and minute scanning means, and thereby cause an electrical signal to be applied to said rows in sequence to cause said indicators to display the time of the next event which is to take place.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,759,918 5/1930 Schwartz 340-3094 3,027,506 3/ 1962 Stenhammer. 3,120,652 2/1964 Weighton 340--309.l X 3,152,323 10/1964 Pardee 340309.1

NEIL C. READ, Primary Examiner.

R. M. GOLDMAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. TIME DISPLAY DEVICE COMPRISING: (A) PLUGBOARD MEANS INCLUDING AN HOUR SECTION AND A MINUTE SECTION EACH COMPRISING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS ARRANGED IN INTERSECTING ROWS AND COLUMNS, THE CONDUCTOR ROWS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH EVENTS WHICH ARE TO TAKE PLACE AND THE COLUMNS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH THE TIME OF SAID EVENTS, THE PLUGBOARD MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO PERMIT ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN INTERSECTING CONDUCTORS AND THEREBY DESIGNATE THE TIME OF EVENTS, (B) MEANS COMPRISING AS CONTROLLABLE EVENT STEPPING SWITCH ADAPTED FOR SCANNING AND SEQUENTIALLY APPLYING CONTROL SIGNALS TO SAID HOUR AND MINUTE ROW CONDUCTORS TO THEREBY CAUSE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS TO BE APPLIED TO THE COLUMN CONDUCTORS HAVING INTERCONNECTIONS WITH THE ROW CONDUCTORS, (C) INDICATOR MEANS COUPLED TO BE RESPONSIVE TO ELECTRICAL SIGNALS APPLIED TO THE HOUR AND MINUTE COLUMN CONDUCTORS FOR DISPLAYING THE TIME OF THE NEXT EVENT WHICH IS TO TAKE PLACE, (D) HOUR SCANNING MEANS INCLUDING A STEPPING SWITCH HAVING AN OUTPUT CIRCUIT AND ADAPTED FOR SCANNING THE COLUMN CONDUCTORS OF THE HOUR SECTION IN SYNCHRONISM WITH REAL TIME AND FOR COUPLING THE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS ON SAID COLUMN CONDUCTORS TO THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT THEREOF, (E) MINUTE SCANNING MEANS INCLUDING A STEPPING SWITCH HAVING AN OUTPUT CIRCUIT AND ADAPTED FOR SCANNING THE COLUMN CONDUCTORS OF THE MINUTE SECTION IN SYNCHRONISM WITH REAL TIME AND FOR COUPLING THE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS ON SAID MINUTE COLUMN CONDUCTORS TO THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT THEREOF, AND (F) MEANS COUPLED TO THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT OF SAID HOUR AND MINUTE SCANNING MEANS AND ADAPTED FOR CAUSING SAID CONTROLLABLE EVENT STEPPING SWITCH TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROW OF CONDUCTORS IN RESPONSE TO AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL AT THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT OF SAID HOUR AND MINUTE SCANNING MEANS, AND THEREBY CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TO BE APPLIED TO SAID ROWS IN SEQUENCE TO CAUSE SAID INDICATORS TO DISPLAY THE TIME OF THE NEXT EVENT WHICH IS TO TAKE PLACE. 